Chivas USA Executives

Nelson Rodriguez, President

Chivas USA President Nelson Rodríguez joined the Red-and-White organization in March 2014 after 16 years of combined experience working in Major League Soccer, Soccer United Marketing and the MetroStars. As the club’s President, Rodríguez oversees all aspects of Chivas USA’s business and sporting operations while MLS continues its search for a new ownership group.

During his tenure with MLS and SUM, Rodríguez held a variety of posts. Most recent, he served as Executive Vice President of Competition, Technical and Game Operations and was responsible for all on-field competition including disciplinary matters. Rodríguez initiated and supervised the League's technical committee, expanded the League's scouting and analytics capabilities and was also instrumental in the creation of the Professional Referees Organization (“PRO”).

In addition to the above, he supervised supporter relations, safety and security, team travel and the League’s growing sports medicine initiatives. Over the last few years, the League has developed a traveling liaison policy, supporter steward program and a return to play concussion protocol.

In previous roles within MLS, Rodríguez served as Senior Vice President of Strategic Business Development where he worked closely with the Commissioner’s Office in areas such as business planning, new business development and strategic alliances.

Rodríguez also served as Senior Vice President of SUM International. In that role, he managed the acquisition and development of SUM properties such as the Mexican National Team’s annual U.S. Tour, the CONCACAF Gold Cup, FC Barcelona Tours, InterLiga, SuperLiga and the Pan-Pacific Championship. Rodríguez also led SUM International’s expansion into the area of business operations and competition consultancy.

Before joining MLS in 2000, Rodríguez served as Director of Soccer Operations for the MetroStars from 1998-1999. He assisted the General Manager and Head Coach in the running of the club including selection of team staff and the organization of international tours and team travel. During his time with the MetroStars, Rodríguez assisted in the staging of several exhibition matches at the club’s home facility, Giants Stadium.

Rodríguez accumulated experience on the field as well, leading the Men’s Soccer team at Lafayette College as Head Coach between 1995 and 1997. He took his team to the 1995 NCAA “Sweet Sixteen,” the first ever NCAA tournament appearance in program history.

Among his other management roles in the sport, Rodríguez was a member of the local organizing committee for the New Jersey venue at the 1994 FIFA World Cup in the United States, assisting the Venue Executive Director and FIFA officials and dignitaries.

A native of New Jersey, Rodríguez is fluent in Spanish and holds a bachelor’s degree in Communications from Rutgers University.